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Why the War?
An estimated 23.6 million Americans have diabetes. Unfortunately, 5.7 million Americans don't know they have the deadly disease. Pharmacists are one of the most available health care professionals and have the greatest potential to impact the threat of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or can not properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use sugar, starches, and other food for energy. After we eat, sugar in the bloodstream must first enter the muscles to be converted into energy. Consider insulin as the "doorman" that allows the sugar into the muscle. If insulin is not present or does not work properly, the sugar can not enter into the muscles. Thus, blood sugar levels increase dramatically and can cause numerous problems unless treated (see "complications of diabetes").
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What are the different types of diabetes?
Refer to the table below.
Complications of Diabetes:
: Diabetics are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than non-diabetics. Sixty-five percent of diabetics will die of heart disease or stroke.
Blindness: Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20-74.
Kidney Disease: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
Nervous System Disease: 60 to 70% of diabetics have a mild to severe form of nervous system damage. The results of such damage include impaired sensation or pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion of food in the stomach, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other nerve problems.
Amputations: Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic
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